The coronavirus pandemic upended the world last March. For months, we dealt with the uncertainty of where the virus would strike and when vaccines might become available. Now, a little over a year later, we’re finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. But even as some things begin to return to normal, there will be lasting effects of the pandemic that persist in the long term.
There were 141 million cases of coronavirus throughout the world and over 3 million deaths. Virus aside, many more people were affected by the ripple effects of shuttered socio and economic infrastructures. As we reflect back and plan ahead for a better future, the following are five takeaways COVID-19 has imparted upon us that will continue to impact our world forever.
The coronavirus made us acutely aware of what hygiene practices our lives were lacking pre-pandemic. Washing our hands took on a new level of importance, and hand sanitizers have appeared in just about every public space. Many people are likely to continue these practices long after the pandemic is over.
Wearing masks in public may become a long-term practice as well. According to one study by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 72% of Americans surveyed said they’ll continue wearing a mask in public after the pandemic. Some people may want to keep wearing them all the time, while others may simply keep a stash on hand to wear if they feel sick or want extra protection during flu season.
And while there is still some vaccine hesitancy among certain groups, a majority of people have been eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Many health care professionals hope this will also lead to an increased recognition of the importance of other vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine.
In these respects, the pandemic could have a positive impact on overall health outcomes, particularly when it comes to influenza-related deaths. Taking more hygiene precautions is also a great way to reduce your risk from exposure to viruses and bacteria.
The stress of the pandemic has taken quite a toll, especially when it comes to mental health. It hasn’t been easy to deal with the constant barrage of upsetting news or being isolated from loved ones. Many people have had to deal with trying to work from home while assisting children with remote schoolwork, financial difficulties, personal illness, or even losing a loved one to COVID-19.
The anxiety and stress have built up, and the effects are noticeable. According to one survey commissioned by Parade magazine and Cleveland Clinic, 55% of respondents reported an increase in mental health issues since the onset of the pandemic.
One silver lining of the pandemic caused everyone to be more aware of mental health symptoms. In the months and years after the pandemic, many people could experience lingering effects of the anxiety or depression they experienced during this time. If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to reach out to friends and family for support and talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
Technology has gained a bad rap in recent years. It’s true that when used frequently, it has the potential to affect you negatively. But during the pandemic, we relied on technology to connect while following distancing guidelines.
Zoom calls amongst friends and family helped improve the mental health of those suffering from social isolation. But perhaps most importantly, technology and videoconferencing helped save lives.
Throughout the pandemic people were asked to minimize their impact on the healthcare system. Communities worked together to avoid increasing strain on medical resources. There was also fear of coming into contact with those who are contagious. As a result, regular visits to primary care physicians decreased. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic survey found 38% of respondents said they skipped or delayed preventive health care visits because of the pandemic.
In a time when we need to keep ourselves as healthy as we can, preventive visits to healthcare providers is as important as ever. Thankfully, telemedicine appointments allows patients to be seen by their doctors in the safety of their homes.
The sudden shift in lifestyle has caused many people to reevaluate their priorities. When busy schedules suddenly came to a halt, people were forced to deal with a slower pace of life. Instead of being filled endless work meetings, social gatherings, and travel plans, the calendar was wiped clean, giving everyone a chance to step back and take stock of their lives.
Wanting to stay as healthy as possible, many people took this time to improve their health, like getting more exercise or adopting healthier eating habits. The 62% of respondents who adopted some type of healthy lifestyle change represent a shift in our culture at large which could have positive ramifications down the road.
In early 2020, the lack of information about this novel virus lead to fear and uncertainty. At the time, it was understood that COVID-19 had a lengthy incubation period where people exhibiting little to no symptoms could be contagious and pass the virus on to those who are high risk for severe COVID-19.
If you review the list which continues to grow with advanced understanding of the illness, chances are you, or at least a friend/loved one, qualifies for high risk. From pregnancy to diabetes, millions of people with nonmobiliity disabilities qualify for high risk. Another alarming thought is thinking of all the people who are unaware that they have a hidden illness or disability.
Many people do not perceive invisible disabilities as being a real disability. The pandemic has made these misconceptions about what it means to be disabled even more evident. Communities were called upon to protect the most vulnerable people from COVID-19, and for the first time, it didn’t just include the elderly or those with visible disabilities. Raising awareness for hidden disabilities will allow people to feel more comfortable asking their doctors for treatment.
How has the pandemic affected your life? If you’re one of the many people who have taken a renewed interest in your health during this time, or if you’re struggling with stress or mental health symptoms, give us a call at Bella Terra Primary Care to schedule a physical exam or virtual telehealth visit.